How to treat persistent dandruff at home

Why Flakes Keep Coming Back—And What You Can Do

You wash your hair, switch shampoos, maybe even skip styling products—yet those white flakes stick around. Persistent dandruff isn't just a one-time nuisance; it's an ongoing battle for many people. Most cases stem from an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, but things like dry skin, stress, and harsh hair products can make it worse.

Science Behind the Itch

Malassezia feeds on scalp oils, breaking them down and causing irritation. That's why a greasy scalp can actually trigger more dandruff—not less. Plus, frequent scratching damages the skin barrier, making everything worse.

What Actually Works for Persistent Dandruff

• Medicated Shampoos: Look for ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. These target the yeast and calm irritation. Rotate products if one stops working after a few weeks.
• Tea Tree Oil: A few drops mixed into your regular shampoo can help. It's naturally antifungal and soothes the scalp.
• Gentle Cleansing: Wash every 2-3 days with lukewarm water. Hot water strips oils and can trigger more flaking.
• Reduce Stress: Stress hormones ramp up oil production and inflammation, making dandruff harder to control.

Practical Home Care Steps

1. Start with a medicated shampoo twice a week.
2. On non-shampoo days, rinse with cool water and massage your scalp gently.
3. Limit styling gels and sprays—they can build up and irritate.
4. Change your pillowcase every few days to keep oils and yeast from returning.

Why Scrubbing Hard Doesn't Work

Scratching and scrubbing with your nails feels satisfying, but it damages your scalp. That leads to more flakes and can even cause redness. Use fingertips and gentle circular motions instead. And skip DIY scrubs with salt or baking soda—they're too harsh for sensitive skin.

Common Mistakes That Make Dandruff Worse

• Using hot water or blow dryers too close to the scalp
• Applying heavy oils or butters that trap yeast
• Skipping washes for too long
• Switching products too often—give each one a few weeks to work

Arish BIO-NATURAL Offers Smarter Solutions

If you want to tackle stubborn dandruff with gentle, nature-powered formulas, Arish BIO-NATURAL provides targeted anti-dandruff treatments using our Bionatural® Actives. You can even use our AI Skin Analyser for a scalp check and get a custom recommendation. Visit arishbionatural.com for more info.